Malnutrition and disability: unexplored opportunities for collaboration
Paediatrics and International Child Health
|October 14, 2014
Summary
Malnutrition can cause or worsen disability throughout life. Integrating nutrition and disability services offers mutual benefits, improving health outcomes for all, but requires political will and better data.
Area of Science:
- Global public health
- Human rights
- Disability studies
- Nutrition science
Background:
- Malnutrition and disability are significant global public health and human rights issues.
- Both malnutrition and disability are key priorities on the global health agenda.
- There is growing international recognition of the interconnectedness between malnutrition and disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the interactions between malnutrition and disability.
- To argue for strengthening the links between nutrition and disability sectors.
- To identify mutual benefits and synergies from closer collaboration.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of existing literature and research.
- It synthesizes information on the life-cycle impacts of malnutrition on disability.
- It examines potential opportunities for integrated service delivery.
Main Results:
- Malnutrition can lead to or exacerbate physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental health disabilities across the lifespan.
- Nutrition programs can serve as entry points for disability identification and intervention.
- Disability programs have the potential to improve nutritional status for individuals with disabilities.
Conclusions:
- Strengthening the links between malnutrition and disability sectors can yield significant mutual benefits.
- Integrated approaches can transform challenges into opportunities for improved health outcomes.
- Enhanced collaboration requires political commitment, dedicated resources, and improved data collection.
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